Flintoff ready for the bell

Euronews

Just over two years since retiring from a glittering cricket career Andrew Flintoff is about to embark on an altogether different kind of sporting adventure. Considered one of cricket’s best all-rounders Flintoff is attempting to reinvent himself as a professional boxer and is set to fight undefeated American Richard Dawson in Manchester on Friday.

The 34-year-old’s decision to enter the ring has been met with mixed emotions inside and outside of the sport, but the former England captain was rather philosophical about his decision.

“I have come a long way in a short space of time. I realise that the level that I am, at I’m not fighting for the world heavyweight title.

‘‘I am a novice professional heavyweight. I am going into my first fight, I am going into the unknown a little bit. To start saying I am going to do this and I am going to do that, I think would be wrong at this stage,” said the former fast bowler.

The six foot four inch Lancastrian – better known as Freddie Flintoff – spent 11 of his 14 years in cricket playing in the national set up serving as both captain and vice-captain for England, who he helped to two Ashes series victories over the Australians.

But the wicket has now been replaced by the ring and under the expert guidance of boxing legend and former world champion Barry McGuigan, Flintoff will look to pack another punch in the world of sport.